Reading Information Update
It is very important that your child return his/ her READING FORM on Friday. Last month the class read over 12,000 minutes. We earned the Gold Medal for the month of November. Let's continue with our progress. Also, all students should have their Reading Patch Cap by the end of January 2009. If you have any questions about this please contact me. This is one of our class goals. I know we can do it!
Spelling Words
Test Day is Friday, December 19, 2008
The words are: let's, he'd, you'll, can't, I'd, you'd, haven't, hasn't, she'd, they'll, when's, we'd, they'd, wasn't, didn't
The Challenge Words are: should've, would've, could've, needn't, you've
Spelling Words
Test Day is Monday, December 8, 2008
The words are: father, chapter, other, alphabet, watch, English, weather, catch, fashion, shrink, pitcher, flash, athlete, trophy, nephew
The Challenge Words are: northern, establish, emphasis, hyphen, challenge
Spelling Words
Test Day is Monday, November 24, 2008
The words are: splash, throw, three, square, throat, strike, street, split, splurge, thrill, strength, squeak, throne, strawberry, squeeze
The Challenge Words for this week are: squid, squander, arthritis, instrument, strategy
Spelling Words
Test Day is Friday, November 14, 2008
The words are: sunglasses, football, homework, haircut, popcorn, railroad, snowstorm, earring, scarecrow, blueberry, butterflies, lawnmower, campground, sandbox, toothbrush
The Challenge Words for this week are: thumbtack, earthquake, scrapbook, courthouse, whirlpool
Spelling notebooks should be returned to school by Wednesday, November 12.
Just a quick reminder, please remind your child to keep a running record of words to practice at home.
Thank you!
READING MINUTES
The Reading Recording Sheet will be given out on November 3, 2008.
Your child will receive a NEW recording sheet each Monday.
Please record your child's reading minutes and the title of the book (s) for the week on this recording sheet.
The Reading Recording Sheet is due every Friday.
Our goal as a class is to earn the required minutes or more for grade three and for each student to earn a cap for the Reading Patch Program.
Spelling Words
Test Day is Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The words are: handle, trouble, simple, people, middle, table, little, gentle, poodle, pickle, noodle, saddle, juggle, uncle, riddle
The Challenge Words for this week are: example, throttle, obstacle, miracle, muscle
Spelling Words
Test Day is Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The words are: finish, pilot, even, wagon, music, silent, rapid, female, lemon, pupil, focus, robot, tulip, camel, salad
The Challenge Words for this week are: resident, spinach, climate, tradition, innocent
Spelling Words
Test Day is Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The words are: proud, shower, hour, amount, voyage, choice, avoid, thousand, prowl, employ, bounce, poison, annoy, appoint, broil
The Challenge Words for this week are: however, mountain, coward, turmoil, chowder
Reading Patch Forms
Please send your child's Reading Patch Form to school as soon as you can.
Spelling Words
Test Day is Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The words are: clean, agree, teeth, dream, grain, coach, display, window, shadow, cheese, peach, braid, Sunday, float, thrown
The Challenge Words for this week are: entertain, complain, bleachers, willow, wheat
* Students who misspell more than 4 pretest words then use 1-8 words to study for the test.
* Students who misspell 1 - 4 pretest words then use 1 - 15 words to study for the test.
* Students who correctly spell ALL pretest words, then use words 1 - 20 for the test.
The Pretest booklet should be coming home on each Day 1 for you to view ,check, and sign.
This is also the time to remind your child about the number of words to study for that particular week.
As always, thank you for your support.
OPEN HOUSE
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day and attending Open House.
It was a pleasure meeting each of you!
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please forward this information to my e-mail address.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Spelling Words
September 29, 2008
The words are: using, getting, easiest, swimming, heavier, greatest, pleased, emptied, leaving, worried, strangest, freezing, funniest, angrier, shopped
The Challenge Words for this week are: included, occurred, supplying, scarier, happiest
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 will be Day 5 in the Reading Street Program.
We will take our Spelling Test on this day.
The words are: pennies, inches, plants, families, bodies, glasses, wishes, pockets, lists, copies, parties, bunches, crashes, supplies, pencils
Students who would like a challenge this week may study and take the Challenge Words during the test.
The words are: accidents, libraries, mysteries, carpenters, merchants
Wednesday is a Professional Day for Teachers.
Open House is Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00.
I look forward to meeting each family during Open House!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tuesday and Wednesday
September 16 and 17
Baseline Testing in Reading
Day 2 in Reading Street will be on Thursday, September 18, 2008.
REMINDER
Please send a clean sock and a dry erase marker to school.
Thank You!
September 09, 08 Update
HOMEWORK ENVELOPES WENT HOME TODAY WITH A SCORING RUBRIC ATTACHED.
PLEASE REMIND YOUR CHILD TO USE THE RUBRIC FOR EACH PAGE OF HOMEWORK.
* Homework clarification for Tuesday, September 09, 2008.
Math activity sheet - students must do the top half of the activity sheet. The bottom half can be completed on 9/10/08.
BOOK ORDER FORM
A Scholastic book order form went home today with the children. Orders are due by September 17, 2008. Please make checks out to Scholastic or forward the exact amount of money for your child's order. Thank you in advance for your help.
2008 - 2009 SCHOOL YEAR
"Children are our most valuable resource."
(Herbert Hoover, 1874 - 1964, 31st President of the United States)
Working together we can make a positive impact on your child's education.
Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to working with you this year.
INTEGRATED ARTS SCHEDULE FOR THE STUDENTS
Monday - Library and Physical Education
Tuesday - Music
Wednesday - Art
Thursday - Physical Education
Friday - Technology
SPELLING WORDS FOR THIS WEEK
September 08, 2008
happen, lettuce, basket, winter, sister, monster, supper, subject, lesson, spelling, napkin, collar, traffic, suggest, puppet
HOMEWORK WILL BE GIVEN DAILY, (Monday - Thursday)
It will consist of English Language Arts activities and Math.
Also, please have your child read each day for at LEAST 15 minutes.
Please visit this wonderful site with your child. It is a great way to review skills!
WORDS TO STUDY
April 28, 2008
to, too, two, week, weak, our, hour, stair, stare, flour, flower, write, right, new, knew
CHALLENGE WORDS
their, there, they're, weather, whether
WE ARE INCREASING OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE READING PATCH PROGRAM.
LET'S MEET OUR GOAL OF 100% PARTICIPATION!
STUDENTS - YOU CAN DO IT!
WORDS TO STUDY
April 15, 2008
create, medium, piano, idea, radio, video, studio, violin, duo, patio, rodeo, pioneer, trio,
stadium, audio
CHALLENGE WORDS
audience, radiate, cereal, Creole, recreation
REMINDER
PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ AT HOME. USE THE APRIL CALENDAR TO RECORD YOUR READING MINUTES.
REMEMBER, THE READING PATCH IS ANOTHER WONDERFUL WAY TO TRAVEL THROUGH BOOKS AND EARN PATCHES AND A CAP.
YOU
CAN
DO
IT!
WORDS TO STUDY
WEEK OF MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008
monster, surprise, hundred, complete, control, sample, instant, inspect, pilgrim, contrast, explode, district, address, substance, children
CHALLENGE WORDS
merchant, embrace, purchase, curtsy, contract
WORDS TO STUDY
WEEK OF MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008
dentist, editor, artist, hostess, actress, swimmer, seller, tutor, tourist, organist, lioness, shipper, chemist, investor, conductor
CHALLENGE WORDS
announcer, pharmacist, journalist, commuter, pianist
PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS FANTASTIC SITE FOR MATH.
WORDS TO STUDY
POSTTEST WILL BE GIVEN ON FEBRUARY 08, 2008
thumb, gnaw, written, know, climb, design, wrist, crumb, assign, wrench, knot, wrinkle, lamb, knob, knit
CHALLENGE WORDS
wrestler, bologna, cologne, honeycomb, knickknack
WORDS TO STUDY
POSTTEST WILL BE GIVEN ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2008
beautiful, safety, kindness, finally, spotless, worthless, illness, helpful, daily, suddenly, wireless, quietly, fairness, cheerful, painful
CHALLENGE WORDS
anxiously, thoughtfully, cautiously, tardiness, breathless
This week the students are focusing on words with the suffixes -ly, -ful, -ness, -less.
A SPECIAL QUOTE FOR READING
" Above all, children love to be read to. It is a special time for them to be close to the grown - ups who care for them, and a wonderful way to feel loved." (Bush, 1993)
TIPS FOR READING TO YOUR CHILD
1. Read aloud together with your child.
2. Don't skip your regular reading time.
3. Make predictions ( child tells what he / she thinks will happen next).
4. Enjoy the illustrations.
5.Talk about the authors and illustrators of the books you read.
6. Listen to books on tape.
7 Read aloud together with your child.
8. Have your child think of a new ending to the story.
9. When reading a non-fiction book, ask your child what they know about the topic and what they want to learn.
10. Read poems to / with your child.
WORDS TO STUDY
Posttest will be given on Friday, January 25, 2008
clock, large, page, mark, kitten, judge, crack, edge, pocket, brake, change, ridge, jacket, badge, orange
CHALLENGE WORDS
freckles, advantage, pledge, Kentucky, kingdom
PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD USE THIS WONDERFUL ONLINE SITE TO FOCUS ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS SKILLS AT HOME.
You will find the following skills: identify and / or select rhyming words, distinguish individual sounds including consonant blends within words, recognize the parts of a book, identify setting, characters, and plot in a reading situation, recognize root words and their various inflections, determine word meaning within context using prefixes and suffixes, recognize grade level compound words, contractions, and common abbreviations within context, select appropriate synonyms and antonyms within context, determine word meanings through the use of context clues, identify different forms of text, identify the stated main idea of a reading selection, identify cause and effect relationships in text, distinguish between fact and opinion within the text, determine the sequence of events in a story, recognize plot features of fairy tales, folk
tales, fables, and myths, recognize grade appropriate vocabulary within context, determine correct meaning / usage of multiple meaning words, and many more activities for your child to focus on in this academic area.
WORDS TO STUDY
Posttest will be given on Tuesday, January 16, 2008.
unhappy, recall, disappear, unload, mistake, misspell, dislike, replace, mislead, disagree, rewrite, unroll, unknown, dishonest, react
CHALLENGE WORDS
unfortunate, discourage, uncomfortable, recycle, mispronounce
Please check the following web sites out.
(dividing words into syllables, synonyms, and antonyms)
(The End of the Unit exam will be given this week. Use the following web sites to help strengthen your knowledge in these areas.)
HOLIDAY FAIR
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2007
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LIST AND MONEY. YOU WILL SHOP DURING RECESS ON THIS DAY.
HAPPY DECEMBER EVERYONE!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 05 IS A HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS.
Please visit the following web pages for review of singular possessives, irregular nouns, and guide words. Please have your child become involved in practicing these difficult skills. Forward comments, questions, or statements to me by using my e-mail address. Thanks again!
Hill - Roberts Elementary School
Holiday SHOP
The Hill - Roberts PTO presents a Holiday Shop for all students during the week of December 10 through December 14th. This is an opportunity for your child to purchase a special gift for family members and present them during the holidays. On shopping day, many skills are emerging. Students will be listing family members, accounting and budgeting for money to be used, and selecting items to purchase. A real math lesson in real life problem solving for the holidays all rolled into one activity.
Our room will shop on Wednesday, December12, from 12:35 to 1:00.
CONFERENCES
I would like to thank each family for taking the time out of your busy day and attending your child's conference. I greatly appreciate your time and concern about your child's learning. Please feel free to use my Attleboro e-mail address to contact me about any questions or concerns you may have.
Thanks again for everything! It was a pleasure seeing each of you again.
SPELLING WORDS FOR DECEMBER 3 TO DECEMBER 7
Words to Study
father, chapter, other, alphabet, watch, English, weather, catch, fashion, shrink, pitcher, flash, athlete, trophy, nephew
Challenge Words
northern, establish, emphasis, hyphen, challenge
THE NOVEMBER READING CALENDAR IS DUE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 03. PLEASE REMIND YOUR CHILD TO PLACE HIS / HER READING CALENDAR IN THE YELLOW FOLDER AT SCHOOL I WILL REMIND THE STUDENTS DURING THE MORNING CHECK IN TO PASS THE READING CALENDAR IN FOR CREDIT.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR 100 % PARTICIPATION FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER FOR READING. THE CLASS DECIDED THAT THIS WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE GOAL TO WORK ON FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. A SPECIAL CELEBRATION WILL BE PLANNED FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY. I WILL BEGIN TO USE THE DECEMBER CALENDAR TO RECORD MY MINUTES FOR READING.
SPELLING WORDS FOR NOVEMBER26 TO NOVEMBER 30
Words to Study
splash, throw, three, square, throat, strike, street, split, splurge, thrill, strength, squeak, throne, strawberry, squeeze
Challenge Words
squid, squander, arthritis, instrument, strategy
Reading Together Every Day
Please find some time for reading every day. Reading before bedtime is a wonderful time to get together and read, but actually any time is a great time for reading. Be sure to have books that your child is interested in. If you have selected a book, and then find you are not interested in it, stop reading it and select another one. Set up a home library for your child's books to show that books are an important part of the home learning environment. Reading 15 minutes a day will make a big difference in your child's reading. As a family, maybe you can set a goal for the entire family to read for 15 minutes. What a lovely way to spend time together... traveling through books as a family and then sharing!
Please remind your child to continue to record the reading minutes on the November Reading Calendar. The November Reading Calendar is due on Monday, December 03, 2007. Please watch for the December Reading Calendar.
On Tuesday, November 20, 2007 the children were given special treats to celebrate all the successes that they have encountered. I would like to thank the various families who sent treats in to help with our day of celebrations. Thank you very much for all that you do!
Just a reminder, conferences are this week. If you are unable to attend your child's conference please e-mail me or send a note to school and I will contact you.
SPELLING WORDS FOR NOVEMBER 13 TO NOVEMBER 20
Compound Words
Generalization: A compound word is smaller words joined together. Keep all the letters when spelling compound words: home + work = homework.
Words to Study
sunglasses, football, homework, haircut, popcorn, railroad, snowstorm, earring, scarecrow, blueberry, butterflies, lawnmower, campground, sandbox, toothbrush
Challenge Words
thumbtack, earthquake, scrapbook, courthouse, whirlpool
IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUNS
An irregular plural noun is not spelled by adding -s or - es to the singular. For example, the plural form of man is not mans but men. Irregular plural nouns must be learned because they do not follow the regular rules.
ACTIVITY MATCHING GAME FROM FAMILY TIMES
Write the noun pairs below on index cards. Mix the cards and put them facedown in rows. Players take turns flipping over two cards and reading the words. If the words name the same noun in the singular and plural, the player keeps the pair. If the cards don't refer to the same person, place, or thing, then the cards are turned facedown, and play goes to the next player.
Words
man, men, woman, women, child, children, mouse, mice, foot, feet, tooth, teeth, leaf, leaves, life, lives,
die, dice, goose, geese, louse, lice, ox, oxen
* Can you add more irregular plural nouns to the list? If you find more words and add them to your list, please share them with me in class. Have fun playing the game and learning more about irregular plural nouns.
HOMEWORK PACKET
Students should pass their homework assignments in daily. Please do not send the entire packet back to school completed. Your child can leave the remainder of his / her homework packet in the homework folder and pass each assignment in on the due day. Also, students should be reading at home and recording reading minutes on the November calendar.
*Children should continue to read over the Thanksgiving break.
THE RACE IS ON FOR GRADE THREE.
REMEMBER TO STUDY THE TIMES TABLES AS PART OF YOUR HOMEWORK.
WE ARE PREPARING FOR THE CHALLENGE!
WELCOME!
THANKS FOR CHECKING IN AGAIN.
GRADE THREE IS A VERY BUSY PLACE!
SPELLING WORDS FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2007
handle, trouble, simple, people, middle, table, little, gentle, poodle, pickle, noodle, saddle, juggle, uncle, riddle
THE CHALLENGE WORDS ARE:
example, throttle, obstacle, miracle, muscle
_________________________________________________________________________________
Steps for Spelling New Words
(The students are familiar with the Steps for Spelling New Words.)
This is one strategy that you can use to learn any new spelling word. It has six steps.
1. Look at the word.
Say it and listen to the sounds.
2. Spell the word aloud.
3. Think about the spelling. Is there anything special to remember?
4. Picture the word with your eyes shut.
5. Look at the word and write it.
6. Cover the word. Picture it and write it again. Check its spelling. Did you get it right?
The reading calendar for the month of October is due.
The November calendar was given out last week.
This is a WONDERFUL PROGRAM for the students. Please support the program, and remind your child to read each and every night. It is truly amazing the places that we visit when we read a book!
Help Your Child Become More Involved in Reading
1. Read aloud to your child as often as possible. Remember that children of all ages love to hear books read aloud.
2. Talk about what you read. Language and thinking skills develop when children talk.
3. Have your child read aloud to you. Keep it fun and enjoyable.
4. Make sure your child owns some books. Encourage relatives to give books as gifts.
5. Encourage your child to read to others. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, and friends enjoy sharing favorite stories.
6. Let your child read a variety of printed material: newspapers, magazines, books, forms, recipes, etc.
7. Provide opportunities to write. Allow your child to make grocery lists, send thank - you notes, write notes to friends and relatives, and even keep a journal.
8. Monitor television viewing.
MATH GAMES
HOW TO PLAY MULTIPLICATION PAIRS
Materials
Set of Array Cards
Paper and Pencil
Players: 1 or 2
How to Play
1. Spread out all the Array Cards in front of you. Some should be turned up, showing the dimensions. Others should be turned over to show the total.
2. Choose an Array Card and put your finger on it. (Don't pick it up until you say the answer.) If the dimensions are showing, you must give the total. If the total is showing, you must say the dimensions of the grid. The shape of the array will help you.
For example: Suppose you pick an array with the total 36 showing. The dimensions could be
6 X 6, or 9 X 4, or 12 X 3. You must decide which is right. The shape of the array is a good clue.
3. Turn the card over to check your answer. If your answer is correct, then pick up the card.
4. If you are playing with a partner, take turns choosing and identifying cards. Play until you have picked up all the cards.
While you are playing, make lists for yourself of "pairs that I know" and "pairs that I don't know yet." Use these lists to help you learn all the pairs.
The Array Cards will travel home this week with your child.
Please remind your child to study the tables at home. Students need to know the multiplication facts up to the 10 table for grade three.
Using Fact Families can be very helpful in this area.
4 X 6 = 24
6 X 4 = 24
24 divided by 4 = 6
24 divided by 6 = 4
REMINDERS
1. Homework assignments should be reviewed and signed by an adult.
2. Please remind your child to bring a healthy snack each day.
3. The weather is changing, please remind your child to dress appropriately.
4. Our second book order is due on Thursday, November 09, 2007.
5. Please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. I check my e-mail daily.
WELCOME
I am pleased to take this opportunity to meet you and welcome your child to my class. A good learning experience involves a cooperative effort between parent, child, and teacher. My expectations for conduct and standards for growth are high. With your participation in and out of the classroom we can look forward to a productive, creative, and fun year together!
In the past I have had many parents volunteer their time in the classroom. I encourage this because it provides opportunity for more children to receive one - on - one attention. If you are interested in volunteering, please Email me. This can be on a weekly, biweekly,or occasional basis. The more specialized help students receive in class, the more they will learn.
I am excited about this year. I hope we can work together to make it one of ongoing growth, discovery, and significance for your child.
Again, welcome! Please feel free to contact me through Email or contacting the school. Our school number is: 508 - 399 - 7560.
Dear Students,
We are off and running into a very busy 2007 - 2008 school year. Please remember to bring your HOMEWORK FOLDER to school each day. Remember to put your completed assignment (s)in the folder for the following day's check in. Also, please remember the importance of going to bed at an appropriate time during the school week. I want you well rested and ready to learn each day! Bring a healthy snack for the working snack break. And as always, remember to be RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, AND READY TO LEARN.
Ms. WElls
INTEGRATED ARTS SCHEDULE
MONDAY - ART
TUESDAY - TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY - LIBRARY
THURSDAY - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
FRIDAY - MUSIC
WISH LIST FOR GRADE 3
Pencils
Glue sticks
Scissors
A box of 24 crayons
Colored pencils
Erasers
Box of tissues
1 Red pocket folder
1 Green pocket folder
1 Yellow pocket folder
1 Orange pocket folder
1 Purple pocket folder
Small sticky notes
Markers
Dry erase marker and eraser
Supply container (a plastic shoe container works well)
Handheld pencil sharpener
Zip Lock Storage One Gallon Size
Have a wonderful summer vacation!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
JULY IS...
Anti - Boredom Month
National Recreation and Parks Month
National Hot Dog Month
Read an "Almanac " Month
SPECIAL WEEKS IN JULY
Music for Life Week (first full week)
Space Week (third full week)
SPECIAL DAY IN JULY
National Ice Cream Day
It is easy to see why this day is celebrated during the hottest time of the year - the third Sunday in July.
Stay cool and enjoy an ice cream!
National Ice Cream Day Quick and Easy Recipe
Here's a quick and easy recipe for making your own ice cream. For each portion, you will need a soup can and a container big enough to set the can inside, leaving an empty space of about 2" around it. Sprinkle some salt into the bottom of a container and set the can on top. Cover the can with aluminum foil, and pack a layer of ice around it, sprinkling salt on top. Continue layering ice and salt until the can is at least half - submerged. Remove or break open the foil cover. Pour half -cup milk, one tablespoon sugar, one tablespoon sweetened condensed milk and one or two drops vanilla extract into the can. About every two or three minutes, use a spoon to scrape the frozen mixture from the side of the can into the center. The ice cream will be ready to eat in about fifteen minutes. Yum!
*I have not tried the recipe yet. Drop me a line to let me know how it turns out!
You can email me at: kwells@AttleboroSchools.com.
THE POETRY CORNER
"Eighteen Flavors" By Shel Silverstein
Eighteen luscious, scrumptious flavors
Chocolate, lime and cherry,
Coffee, pumpkin, fudge banana
Caramel cream and boysenberry.
Rocky road and toasted almond,
Butterscotch, vanilla dip,
Butter brickle, apple ripple,
Coconut and mocha chip,
Brandy peach and lemon custard,
Each scoop lovely, smooth and round,
Tallest ice cream cone in town,
Lying there (sniff) on the ground.
EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY
July 14
Bastille Day, the French Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks and festivals. On this date in 1789, French revolutionaries freed the prisoners in the Bastille, the prison that was for them, a symbol of injustice.
Woody Guthrie, American composer of more than a thousand folk songs, was born in 1912.
July 18
Nelson Mandela, leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, was born in 1918.
July 19
The first women's rights convention in America was held in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848.
July 22
Alexander Calder, creator of magnificent mobiles, was born in 1898.
July 26
New York Ratification Day (11th state, 1788)
July 28
The first singing telegram was sent in 1933, supposedly to singer Rudy Vallee on his 32nd birthday.
Report Cards will go home on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.
June 20, 2007
Please remind your child to bring in his / her favorite board game.
MAY INFORMATION
MAY IS...
American Bike Month
Correct Posture Month
Better Sleep Month
SPECIAL WEEKS IN MAY
Be Kind to Animals Week
Cartoon Appreciation Week
National Raisin Week
National Wildflower Week
National Police Week
SPECIAL DAYS IN MAY
Mother's Day
We honor all mothers on the second Sunday in May.
Victoria Day
In Canada, Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24) is celebrated on the first Monday preceding May 25.
Armed Forces Day
Men and women who have served in the armed forces are honored on the third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day
On the last Monday in May, we remember and honor those who have died, especially those who gave their lives in battle.
May Events
May 21
The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton.
May 22
English physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of detective character Sherlock Holmes, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1859.
May 24
The Brooklyn Bridge connecting the New York boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn was opened in 1883. Designed by John A. Roebling, it is considered a work of art as well as a remarkable feat of engineering.
May 26
Dr. Sally Kristen Ride
First American woman in space born in Encino, California in 1951.
May 29
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th president of the United States was born in 1917.
Classroom Curriculum Update
We completed reading the book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. The students will begin reading the book Sarah, Plain and Tall during this final term.
We will begin the study of the Solar System soon.
We completed the Investigations book on Fair Shares. This particular book focused on fractions. Our next book is Exploring Solids and Boxes. The students will participate in activities related to geometry.
In Social Studies we are beginning to study about Massachusetts. The new Massachusetts books are extremely helpful as we learn about our wonderful state. We have received several resources, free of charge from the office of William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth. You can visit the website at: www.sec.state.ma.us/cis. We truly appreciate all the resources supplied by this office. Thank you!
Here are some interesting pieces of information about our wonderful state.
1. Massachusetts is one of the original 13 states (6th) of the union (February 6, 1788). Boston, the capital of Massachusetts since its founding, dates from 1630.
2. Motto: By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty.
3. Nickname: The Bay State or the Old Bay State is the nickname most commonly attached to Massachusetts. She is also occasionally referred to as the Old Colony State, the Puritan State, and the Baked Bean State.
4. Largest Body of Water: Quabbin River (39 sq. miles)
5. Longest River: Charles River (80 miles)
6. Highest Elevation: Mt. Greylock (3, 491)
7. Number of State Parks: 107
8. State Doughnut: In 2003 the Boston Creme doughnut was officially made the state doughnut.
9. Children's Book: Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.
10. Official Inventor: On November 16, 2006, Benjamin Franklin became the official inventor of the Commonwealth.
I would like to thank you for your thoughtfulness during Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you for your continued support in your child's learning. I truly appreciate everything you do.
Together, we CAN make a difference in your child's learning.
Thank you!
I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THEIR WINTER BREAK!
DURING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS BLOCK THIS WEEK, THE STUDENTS WILL FOCUS ON A PIECE OF WRITING PERTAINING TO THEIR WEEK OFF FROM SCHOOL. AT THE END OF THE WEEK, EACH AUTHOR WILL SHARE HIS/ HER STORY USING THE AUTHOR'S CHAIR. THIS PIECE OF WRITING WILL GO HOME ON FRIDAY FOR YOU TO READ OVER THE WEEKEND. PLEASE RETURN YOUR CHILD'S WRITING TO SCHOOL BY TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2007. I WILL ATTACH A SHEET FOR YOUR SIGNATURE AND ANY COMMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE TO YOUR CHILD.< | 
